Atalanta is poised to keep the pressure on the title race as they face off against relegation-threatened Venezia at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo. Kickoff is set for 15:00 CET on March 1, 2025. Atalanta, currently sitting third in the Serie A standings, aims to capitalize on their return to form after thrashing Empoli 5-0 last week. With just three points separating them from the league leaders, Inter Milan, every match counts as they vie for the Scudetto.
\nAdemola Lookman and Mateo Retegui will lead Atalanta's attack. Lookman, who scored twice against Empoli, is expected to bring his momentum to this match, partnering with Retegui and Charles De Ketelaere. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is optimistic, though he still faces challenges with injuries sidelining key players like Isak Hien, Odilon Kossounou, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giorgio Scalvini. Daniel Maldini, returning to fitness, is on the bench.
\nVenezia, struggling at the bottom of the table, remains without a win this year and currently holds the penultimate position. Despite this, they managed to secure a surprising 0-0 draw against Lazio last week, which could serve as a morale boost. They enter the contest without Francesco Zampano due to flu, joining several other players such as Marin Sverko and Michael Svoboda on the list of absentees. The team will rely on January signing Kike Perez, along with Gaetano Oristanio and Mirko Maric up front, as they aim to break their winless streak.
\nAccording to bookmakers, Atalanta is the heavy favorite to claim victory, with odds placed significantly against Venezia. Analysts noted the importance of this match for Atalanta, not only for maintaining their title challenge but also as they seek to recover from their Champions League elimination. A win today is seen as imperative for their aspirations. The expected line-ups for the match are:
\n- Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Posch, Djimsiti, Kolasinac; Cuadrado, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere, Retegui, Lookman
- Venezia: Radu; Schingtienne, Idzes, Candé; Zerbin, Perez, Nicolussi Caviglia, Busio, Ellertsson; Oristanio, Maric
While Atalanta is known for their attacking prowess, having netted 59 goals so far this season, they also have areas of vulnerability, particularly in defense, where they have conceded 26 goals. Venezia, on the other hand, has scored just 22 times and has struggled with consistency, leading many to believe they might find it challenging to breach Atalanta's defense.
\nStatistical analysis reveals Venezia’s arduous position—they have not won any of their last nine matches, which puts them at risk of relegation if they don’t secure points soon. Their record against Atalanta does not inspire confidence either, as Venezia has lost their last four meetings with the Bergamaschi, most recently falling 2-0 at home.
\nThis backdrop sets the tone for what promises to be an intense encounter, laden with desperation for the visiting side and hope for the hosts. Fans will be watching closely as Atalanta attempts to maintain momentum and secure three points, which could prove pivotal as the season heads toward its climax.
\nWith the stakes set at both ends, the match between Atalanta and Venezia is not just another fixture; it’s pivotal for both teams' respective goals for the remainder of the season. Fans and analysts alike anticipate how this match will shape both the Scudetto race and the relegation battle as the Serie A campaign progresses.